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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION
MONDAY, JULY 9, 2001
MUNICIPAL BUILDING
3800 UNIVERSITY BLVD.
6:30 P.M.
The City Council convened in Special Session in the Municipal Building Council
Chambers (3800 University Blvd.) on July 9, 2001, with the following members present:
Mayor Lewis presiding, Council Members May, Farley, Griffin, and Jackson. The City
Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, Fire Chief, Finance Director and Public Works
Director were also present.
The notice for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Texas Government Code,
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Chapter 551, on the 6 day of July 2001 at 5:00 p.m.
Agenda Review:
The City Council reviewed the regular meeting agenda and discussed items under
consideration with the Staff.
2000 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Matters related to the comprehensive report of the City?s 2000 Financial Statements and
Auditors Management Letter as prepared by the audit firm of Patillo, Brown, & Hill,
L.L.P.
Finance Director Walter Thomas reported that under the City Charter and at the close of
each fiscal year, a Certified Public Accountant is to conduct an independent audit of all
accounts of the City. The City?s independent audit firm, Patillo, Brown, and Hill, has
completed the audit of the City?s 2000 Financial Statements. The 2000 audit is a ?clean
opinion?, meaning that the auditors found that the 2000 Financial Statements fairly
present the City?s financial activity. These statements are published together with
statistical information about the City in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
The CAFR is used primarily by rating and regulatory agencies as a source for financial
information about the City. It also serves as the primary archival document about the
City?s financial activity in 2000.
The auditors also provide suggestions for improvement of the City?s internal accounting
controls. These suggestions, often referred to as findings, can be informal or formal. The
auditors have prepared a Management Letter detailing these findings.
Mr. Thomas presented the Management Letter with the auditor?s findings and the staff?s
responses.
City Council Special Session, July 9, 2001
Federal Emergency Management Assistance.
Matters related to applying for public assistance from FEMA.
Fire Chief Terry Stevenson reported that in order to qualify for reimbursement of
expenses that the city incurred for damage during Tropical Storm Allison, the City must
agree to carry flood insurance every year. The cost of the flood insurance would be
approximately $8,300 per year with a $25,000 deductible.
The City Council agreed to not proceed with the FEMA assistance. They suggested that
the City Staff look into ways of moving the City?s electronic equipment off the floor.
Edloe Bridge construction update.
Matters related to the construction of three public pedestrian bridges by Harris County.
City Manager Sherman Yehl reported that Commissioner Radack had authorized plans
for the three bridges to be submitted to the Commissioner?s Court for approval.
H-GAC Workshop.
Matters related to a report on the Houston-Galveston Area Council workshop for new
mayors and council.
Council Member Griffin presented a report on the workshop she attended for new mayors
and councils. She stated that the workshop focused on roles of City Officials, teamwork,
legal issues and financial management.
Special session to discuss goals and objectives.
Matters related to setting a meeting date to discuss goals and objectives.
The City Council agreed to set a meeting date for Saturday, July 28 to discuss goals and
objectives.
Report from Board or Commission Liaisons.
The City Council reported on Board or Commission meetings attended by the liaisons.
Mayor Lewis reported that the Zoning and Planning Commission had asked the Building
and Standards Commission to review the proposed sign ordinance.
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City Council Special Session, July 9, 2001
Inquiries, requests and complaints.
The City Council reviewed matters received from the public and referred them to the
appropriate department or place them on a future agenda for consideration or action.
Council Member Farley requested that an item be placed on the next agenda to discuss
Mr. Hal Collins? concerns about tree protection and the construction on Albans Street.
Mayor Lewis requested that the Council discuss Boards and Commissions at the next
council meeting.
The City Council recessed the Special Session at 7:26 p.m. to convene in Regular
Session.
The Special Session reconvened at 8:44 p.m.
Matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.
Property located at 4210 Bellaire Boulevard known as Y.M.C.A.
This item was not discussed during the Special Session.
Matters related to the appointment of a public officer.
Appointment of a new Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager.
Closed Executive Session to be held under Section 551.074, Texas Government Code.
The City Council convened in Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
The Executive Session closed at 8:57 p.m. and the City Council reconvened into open
session. Mayor Lewis called for a motion.
A motion was made by Council Member Jackson, seconded by Council Member May, to
approve the appointment made by the City Manager of selecting Michael Ross as Public
Works Director.
A vote was taken on the motion with the following result:
Voting Aye: Mayor Lewis, Council Members May, Farley, Griffin and
Jackson
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
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City Council Special Session, July 9, 2001
Adjournment.
With no further business to come before the City Council at this time, a motion was made
by Council Member Jackson, seconded by Council Member May, to adjourn. The
Special Session adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
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